REP Fitness ARES Attachment Buyer's Guide

[@martinxl3684]

You indicate that 80 inch uprights are 80 1/2 inches. Correct. Note that the 93 inch uprights are 92 inches. That inch makes a big difference to try to squeeze in the the larger rack into an 8 foot ceiling with a reverse mount multi-grip bar. By the way, the height on a reverse mount multi-grip on the 93 inch rack is about 2 1/2 inches higher than a regular mount multi-grip bar on the 80 inch rack.

[@DesignBuildLift]

This is very useful information! Pinning this comment! Thank you! 🙏

[@Jerkysan]

I'm looking at buying one of these and you took all the confusion out of it frankly.. Rep should pay you just because you took the time to explain everything. For instance I was calculating space needed and totally forgot the actual 3" requirement for each leg. I'd of been 9" off just because of that. I appreciate your work.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! Rep does pay me a commission if you first click on my affiliate link before shopping on their website. ..when I was measuring everything before I made my purchase I ALSO was not accounting for the 9” …gladly I still had enough space! 🤘🙏💪 THANK YOU for your support!

[@wgrace5522]

The spotter arm tip was worth the price of admission. Thanks!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you for your support!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@tecbox7]

This is without a doubt the best buying guide review I've seen on the Ares Attachment. You did an amazing job putting this video together and I really appreciate the extremely helpful tips you provided for configuring this equipment. REP needs to put you on their payroll!! I will be certain to use your affiliate link when I place my order.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@jameskozlowski5496]

Ares 2.0 is coming out. Pre orders in May 2024. It fixes the issues of doing incline bench inside the rack by moving the weight stack further back. It also raises the low row cables up so its not so low and changes the foot plate and makes it bigger. Also the low row cables are close together so they will be between ypur legs not on the outside. Also the low row pulleys as well as the lat pullys are now also swivel pullys. The pulleys on the vertical posts are also moved to the outside of the mounts sleave giving you a wider range of motion. Glad I waited for these fixes.

[@DesignBuildLift]

I love my 1.0, but I do look forward to taking the 2.0 for a spin at Home Gym Con ( if they bring it with them).

[@Decaf_Oatmeal]

Awesome Video! Probably the most thorough, well organized, and honest equipment review I’ve ever seen!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate your support!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@mrrey2cool]

Wow! Brother you really nailed it with your complete explanation and comparison. I was going to make the purchase with the accessories I thought will work for me and your explanation safe me some cash without compromising my build. You are amazing brother. Keep up the awesome work.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! Glad to help! 🤘🙏💪

[@ronhoover5516]

Probably the most comprehensive and helpful video I've seen to date on the Rep racks and Ares attachment. Love the detailed explanations on each option, Peege. I'm going to re-watch this several times. I've got an older Body Solid rack and have been on the fence about upgrading for some time. You definitely got me going with this one! Now-how much fun was it to assemble? This obviously took a lot of your time and effort (as well as $$!) but it is worth it. We can all say a hearty "thank you"!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much for your support, Ron!!!!🤘🙏💪 This took me 4 days to assemble it. But I took lots of breaks and did it myself. You get get it done in one day if you start in the AM (remaining focused all day) and could finish that night if you have someone who knows what they are doing helping you. Also Rep has a pretty good assembly video on KZbin which helped me a lot.

[@ronhoover5516]

@@DesignBuildLift Peege how well do incline bench presses work inside the rack? I know one downside of my BS rack is that the bench position isn't the greatest because the rear lower crossmember on the rack collides with the rear legs of the bench. I've had to move the bench far enough back, that the rear bench legs sit slightly outside the rear of the rack. It's never been ideal. Wondered if the Rep 5000 has that issue although I'd assume it doesn't. Seems like the long spotter arms inside the rack would solve this problem.

[@MrGrigs681]

This was a great video. I first thought there was no way am I watching another REP rack video for 20 minutes......but I did and it was time well spent. Instead of being just an ad for the company's product, you gave us the info we really needed. Thank you.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much Mr. Grigs!!!!!! I sincerely appreciate it! 🤘🙏💪

[@jcop14]

That was a great review. It literally answered every question I was asking myself re: the new Rep Ares 2.0. Thanks!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your support!!! 💪🤘🙏

[@TechWiz1983]

This is literally the BEST video I truly needed to see before placing my order! You have no idea how grateful I am to you for this incredibly precise & valuable information. I'll be purchasing through your affiliate link for sure. Thank you for your time & for putting my mind at ease by literally answering every question I had. 10/10 content! Hope you have a blessed week! 🕊👌💪

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it very much!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@charliemarino9813]

So many useful tips, helped me rethink which setup I’m planning to go with and which basement area I’m going to use. Thanks man!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Glad to hear it! Thank you, Brother!

[@motojon76]

Absolutely the best Ares buyers guide! Thanks.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much for your support!!!!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@robertoquintana8684]

Thanks for the review. It was excellent and definitely using your link when I made my purchase. Just one comment. What is your take on the two point attachment for the pull down bar?

[@DesignBuildLift]

I really appreciate you using my link!!!! 🤘🙏💪! As far as the 2 point attachment is concerned, I was apprehensive about it, and it took a little bit of time to get used to it- but now I prefer it. I feel like it provides better muscle activation. That being said… they also supply you with a banana clip/dog bone (whatever you call it) to connect both upper pulleys together to perform lat pull down on attachments with one anchor point….and the low row bar also has a center attachment point to connect other single point attachments tobit. Hopefully what I typed is clear…bottom line…you can use a double attachment point OR a single attachment point. So they accommodate both preferences. 🤘

[@jacobliston7339]

Great video! I am strongly considering getting the PR-4000 this spring, so this was very helpful. Also, I chucked when you said you "bought the bullet" when you meant to say "bite the bullet."

[@DesignBuildLift]

You have to buy the bullet before you can bite it….otherwise the clerk at the bullet store gets weirded out. 🤣

[@jacobliston7339]

@@DesignBuildLift 🤣LOL

[@Steve-kl4sz]

I feel like I owe you real cash money for watching this guide. Like a consulting fee. I don't recall ever getting so much useful information in such a short amount of time from a KZbin video ever before.

[@DesignBuildLift]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for that! That’s the goal of the channel - to be helpful to my fellow home gym brothers and sisters . No need for a fee, but if possible when shopping - please click my affiliate link first, and then shop as you normally would. Doing this helps support the channel and helps fund future videos. Thank you! 🙏🤘💪 link: www.repfitness.com/#62ba02b04cbb4

[@haroon420]

This was probably the best Rep PR5000 breakdown. Solid job buddy.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! I appreciate, Brother!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@Ricanstruct]

Awesome guide, I appreciate the work you put into this. Extremely helpful!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Glad to hear it! Thank you so much!!!!

[@derekdaz]

Man, this is by far the best buyer's guide for this. Thanks for the video. I've heard some complaints from other reviews about the low row being annoying to work with. Do you have the same complaint? I'm probably going to go by the PA showroom in the near future to try it out...I'll let them know you sent me!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! I have no complaint on the low row. What was the problem you heard?

[@derekdaz]

@@DesignBuildLift That the low row is really low and that you have to lift the bar over your feet to get started. Seems fairly minor. Also wanted to say thanks for mentioning your height. I'm 6'5 so range of motion and reach for these functional trainer/lat pulldowns is very important to know!

[@chrisdonnell2575]

I got two Athena's and GymPin's adapter that combined them goes up to 220lbs for lat pulldowns and rows and you can use bands to increase resistance plus get gym pin plate holder but that is tough as you need 90lbs to FEEL like 45. One benefit of the Athena is you can have open rack and mirror at end and use that to do perfect squats and isolation exercises. Never underestimate the band benefit too a small band can add a LOT of resistance and its at the spot you're typically strongest. Can't use bands on Ares.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Both have pros and cons. I sometimes wish I had the openness of the Athena, but worried that the Plates on the Plate storage would block access to the selectorized stack. Do you have weight storage on your rear uprights?

[@chrisdonnell2575]

I used to but at the time rack wasn't as solid and some plates would fall off when I did pullups or dips so I got the XMark rack with wheels and also holds two barbells and I used a ratchet strap to hook into ceiling beams now its rock solid I prefer weights up near front of rack. I have to say I love it so far and ordered Home Depot 36in x 70 inch mirror for the back. I notice I don't squat as deep naturally unless I'm watching my form is horrible and I lean over too much vs go down DEEP. I was going to get just one Athena but once it was installed I loved it and now have two. I wish I went with PR5000 as the Athena cables are on outside and mine are on back which I don't like plus so many attachments I can't buy. Lost 20 lbs in last few months and getting jacked again at 52 and sleeping better and old age body aches are going away so very happy I did this. I also love lifting heavy at around 11am and then will go out after work to do lighter cable work or higher rep stuff which I'd never go to gym twice. On tired days I'll go out and lift for 5 mins go inside for 30-60 mins then another 5 in gym and still get in a workout when I don't want to. Home gyms are the best!@@DesignBuildLift

[@DesignBuildLift]

Awesome! I totally agree that the convenience of a home gym cannot be understated! Especially for us 40+ guys - we need to stay strong to stave off father time!

[@tubee2b]

Sloping issues? Take a pry bar and pry up the low spot and put spacer underneath. Might consider loosening some bolts, first. Using a level when first setting up is easiest approach.

[@DesignBuildLift]

I tried all that. Have a plastic shim under it now... but still off by a hair. There is very little “slop” between the pin on the flip down safeties and the hole in the uprights (which is a good thing under normal conditions). 🤘

[@wesl-p4400]

Wow! Terrific video!! I'm looking to pick up the 80 inch 4-Post PR 5000 with the Ares attachment and this was the absolute best, most informative and helpful video I've come across. Absolutely awesome job!!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Happy to help! Thank you so much! Much appreciated.🤘💪🙏

[@TheRealSheHulk1]

I wish I saw this before I ordered mine a month ago. Great video and advice. Thanks!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! Out of curiosity, What would you have done differently when ordering? Different safeties? Different J hooks? Something else?

[@donnarochna2959]

I wish I had found your channel first! Subscribed for future videos! You are awesome to watch! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that, Donna!!!

[@swordphoenix]

Holy smokes, great idea using spotter arms in the rack! I never thought of that

[@DesignBuildLift]

I love not having to move it in order to move the Ares trolley! Always out of the way! 🤘

[@bobw1345]

Thanks!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much, Bob! Much appreciated! 🙏

[@bobw1345]

My girlfriend sent a message on FB. Thanks again for the best video out there to get through the madness of figuring this all out!

[@joeypolsfut3736]

Seriously thank you for this video!

[@DesignBuildLift]

You're so welcome! 🤘🙏💪

[@blindedbythelight5119]

I love the 70s Show transitions lol

[@DesignBuildLift]

Holy moly! I never made that connection before! Wow! 🤯

[@carps_gym]

Yeah, I was starting over building a new gym from scratch. I’ll definitely take a look at this piece again.

[@DesignBuildLift]

This was the BEST purchase I have ever made. Not just home gym stuff -but literally- anything. I am so impressed with the quality. Every time I set foot in my gym, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I can have such an amazing piece of equipment in my own home. 11/10 ! Highly recommend!

[@nico3641]

What a great explanation and video!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much! 🤘🙏💪

[@HomeGymHacksandReviews]

A lot of good info here; especially the piece about the cross-plate height.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you, HGHR!!!! I really appreciate it!!!! 🤘🙏💪

[@Okya-f1f]

The following is fairly niche… but if you have a tight space or simply have extra plates to store (eg bumper plates), installing a second set of 16” cross members above the originals is helpful. As opposed to the rear uprights, weight horns in the additional cross members reduce the distance needed from the wall to store large plates. i find this preserves the utility of the rack better than installing horns on the next upright bc that often leads to larger plates interfering with the space used for movements. Just install the second cross member in a location that doesn’t really affect the placement of the safeties if you intend to adjust their height (eg crossmember as low to the ground as feasible - mind the aeres cables running below). It’s worth considering rogue weight horns that are easy to install and/or remove without tools for the extra cross members, just for the added flexibility/convenience. It’s also worth noting the second cross members will not prevent a fixed, solid installation of certain models of safety arms if that’s what you prefer. You can use the same upright and cross member holes to affix the safety arms. Titan’s safety arms work well for this because the hole for the safety peg can be used to secure the arms and the cross members to the upright at the same location. (Don’t get rogue spotter arms because the spacing does not align) If you like, you can install additional gaskets for the holes the cables run through in the second set of 16” cross members, but it’s likely not necessary. Finally, I recommend checking out aperture engineering if you want added protection for other rack attachments 19:21

[@DesignBuildLift]

Aperture Engineering looks pretty cool!

[@RajuMalhotra-z3d]

Great video as always. How easy is to switch standard logo plate with a compact plate after assembly?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! 🤘🙏💪It would probably take me about an hour. If I hit my head one more time, I will probably purchase the compact version.

[@Fathom555]

DBL - great video, well done. Your PR5000 & Ares are wonderful - nice choices. What are your thoughts on similar gym racks out there which also include the Smith machine? Is that something you considered? Just wondering. Thanks for sharing this video - again, well done.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much!!!! If I had the ceiling height to have an “all-in-one“ rack tall enough where I could store the smith machine bar completely out of the way when not in use, I would consider it. But since I don’t have the ceiling height it is not a good option for me.

[@jacktyler5241]

This video is incredible. As a potential 80” buyer it answered almost every question I had about the downsides. What’s the total height when including the multi grip? I might have missed that.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! You will not regret this decision. The Top of the multigrip pullup bar (as I have it installed) to the floor is 82” per my tape measure.

[@omarherrera9238]

This is AN AMAZING VIDEO! I’ll buy this now because your vid! Definitely using that link of yours

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much, Omar! It’s been over a year now since I made that purchase. BEST decision I ever made for my gym. Still 100% in love with my PR5000 and the Ares! You will not be disappointed!

[@hby7768]

Thank your for the exact measurements!!!

[@DesignBuildLift]

You are most welcome, my friend! 🤘🙏💪

[@Ice_Box_Gym]

Great video. I really like the Ares, cool piece of equipment.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! I truly love the PR5000 and the Ares!

[@christophernichols-nv1zp]

Great review. Is it better to wait for the 2.0 version or buy the 1.0 that’s 20% off? Are the changes that great to wait?

[@DesignBuildLift]

I love my 1.0, but i believe the 2.0 improvements might be worth the wait...then again saving $500 by buying the 1.0 now is pretty awesome too…I don’t know. That’s a toss up!

[@markhalstead2386]

Multigrip pull up bar also gives better height if using an 80" rack. I like spotter arms with straps above. The straps are squat height. Remove one side of each strap and the spotter arms are bench height.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Agreed! Increases the height for doing pullups. Of course- you can also install it upside down if you don’t have the ceiling clearance if needed. I want to get some straps. Will probably pull that trigger soon! 🤘

[@vintageweightspgh]

Really nice job working through all the options!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you, Rob!!!!

[@Accretion-Ranch]

Quick question I hope someone can help me answer - would a Rogue Velocitor fit onto a Rep 5000 rack, given the slight difference in metric and 3x3?

[@DesignBuildLift]

I am interested in finding out the answer to this question also. 🤘🙏💪

[@thugg90]

Great video!!! Quick question, how much workable space is required above the rack in order to actually install the Ares?? Like, with an 80 inch rack and an 83 inch ceiling, will I even be able to install it? Thanks again!!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! I just measured. The highest point of the pulley is 81.75". Yes you have enough clearance to set it up. Definitely get a straight barbell though...no multi grip pull up for you (unless you hang it upside down - which I would still not do unless you are very short). Please let me know if you have other questions as you navigate through this Ares Builder: bit.ly/46cSE2q

[@jeanbiroute]

Is the spotter arms as safe as the straps if there's a fall?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Technically if you have to bail on a squat - the straps are safer than spotter arms since they provide “full coverage “ from your front uprights to your rear uprights.

[@jeanbiroute]

@@DesignBuildLift thanks a lot. Really helpful video!

[@Dr_No_PhD]

Exactly what I was looking for as I configure an Ares 2.0 build. I’m assuming this is equally relevant for the most part. But I wondering if you have any insight on ROM with the lat pull down on the improved Ares 2.0 for an 80” rack (I’m 6’1, so I assume I’d have a similar issue as you)? I’m having to fit it in my basement with exactly 93” of clearance accounting for a 2” platform, so the 80” is what I have to go with.

[@DesignBuildLift]

DM me on instagram (@DesignBuildLift) and I can send you a video to help you out. 🤘

[@Davidtresmoore]

Great video, very helpful, thank you!

[@DesignBuildLift]

You're very welcome! I appreciate it! 🤘🙏💪

[@Josh01170]

Hello good sir, do you know what the measurement between the tops of the uprights and the tops of the crossmembers are?

[@DesignBuildLift]

I am currently in the process of renovating my basement gym and consequently my rack is inaccessible at the moment. However, this link has a graphic with the measurements you are looking for: bit.ly/48QwZhX

[@jeffreychallberg8284]

Thanks for this! Just found this while trying to figure out the impact of the pulley's on squat capability. Is it possible to squat from the front of the rack, with the pulleys? I'm also looking at a low-ceiling, small footprint basement, and would probably do 16"+16" if it would be possible to squat from the front with the spotter arms.

[@DesignBuildLift]

How tall are? I am 6 ft. With the 80” uprights and the V1.0 Ares, I can squat off the front only if I slide the trolleys down, set the stack to its lightest setting (10 LbS), and then use hitch pins to keep the cables out of the way. This wouldn’t be an issue for me if I was shorter. If I was 5’10” or 5’9” ish, then i could slide the trolleys all way up and everything would be out of the way. If I got the 93” uprights, there also would be no issue. Furthermore, none of this is an issue with 80” uprights and the Ares v2.0 since the cable is attached to the bottom of the trolley instead of the top. I hope this helps! 🤘💪🙏

[@DesignBuildLift]

Also - if you want a video explaining what I am talking about-send me a DM on Instagram (@DesignBuildLift) and I can send you a quick video explaining it visually.

[@rubengol5273]

Very thorough video “aaaallright”

[@DesignBuildLift]

Danke!

[@jardeath]

Nice video! Question regarding the range of motion with the lat pulldown. I'll have to go 80" rack due to height limits, but I'm 6'2. If range of motion is limited sitting on a bench, are the cables long enough that you could just sit on the floor and still do it to get the full range?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Depends on the attachment, but if you need to sit lower (whether its on the ground, on a step stool, a 5 gallon bucket, etc.) you just need to add a length on chain (between the upper pulley and your attachment) to customize the level of stretch . Please let me know if you have other questions before pulling the trigger on this purchase. [e-mail] if you have other questions 🤘💪🙏

[@deputydog5261]

Very very helpful video. Is that the 30” or 41”? Would you please give the floor footprint dimensions without factoring in the cable pull area needed just the metal footprint please and maybe the width of your space that it is setting in. No one should buy one of these without watching your video first.

[@DesignBuildLift]

I have the 30”+16” Configuration In total: a 11.5”Gap between the upright and the wall + 3” for the rear upright + 16” cross member + 3” for middle uprights + 30” cross member + 3” front uprights. That adds up to a total depth of 66.5”. Width per the website of a PR5000 is 50.8 wide (as measured between the edges of the feet of the uprights). The Ares handles add about another 5” on each side. Right now this portion of my basement is not accessible for me to measure (I am in the middle of a basement gym remodel). I will be able to access it again in about a week. When it is accessible again, I will remeasure and let you know. 🤘🙏💪

[@deputydog5261]

@@DesignBuildLift Thank you very much.

[@supra85fit]

Nice men, is it possible to add a smith machine on the rack?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Great question! With the Ares1.0 probably not. However, with the Ares 2.0 it would be possible to add it to the “middle” uprights of the 6 post rack (I think…maybe) because on the Ares2.0 the weight stack and rear foot plate is set back further.

[@esivs3]

Great video, best breakdown I have seen! My ceilings are 87.5".. so will need to do 80" uprights. Was debating multi-grip pull up bar (adds 2" height) vs straight bar (sits 2-3" under the upright).. do you have clearance? How high are your ceilings? If I invert the multi-grip, may sit too low on 80" upright and hit my head! Thoughts?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you, Eric! I really appreciate it! The top of the multi grip bar is 81.75" from the floor (per my tape measure). That leaves you only 5.75" for your head to peak above the bar before your head hits your ceiling. I personally don't think that is enough room (unless you have a tiny head like Beetlejuice). If you flip the bar upside down it COULD work if you are a short person. If you are not short - I would skip the Multi-Grip bar and go with one of the straight pull up bars. This should give you enough clearance for your head.

[@esivs3]

@@DesignBuildLift can you get an OK stretch doing the lat pulldown with the 80" rack Ares?

[@MattWolland]

Just wondering what’s the height of your ceilings ? Thanks for the video.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Bear in mind - and as you probably already know - Most basements slope towards a drain. So the ceiling height will be different depending upon where you measure. In one corner of the basement its 89”… but it’s 90.5” right above where I placed my rack. I say all this to stress that no one should do what I previously did…just measuring in one place and assuming that the ceiling height is the same throughout the room. 🤘🙏💪 Side Note: The ceiling measurements I just gave you are a result of me measuring off the surface of 3/4” thick horse stall mats.

[@TheRealSheHulk1]

I think I would have done different safeties and/or just used the spotter arms. But when building everything I think it makes you pick a safety. I also would have prob selected the more compact logo. I thought the bigger one would be best to “hold” the lat down bar though. I’m now debating if I should move forward with the utility seat purchase…

[@DesignBuildLift]

Well if you ever consider making your own Utility seat consider this: 🤘🙏💪 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnmcgX6ZZ7uKZqM

[@mathieurioux9063]

nice review how does REP Rewards Loyalty Points Program work? how much is a point worth in cash?

[@DesignBuildLift]

FULL details here: bit.ly/DBL-REP-REWARDS But essentially One dollar spent = one point earned. 100pts = $5. Max Points redeemable at checkout: 2,000 Points = or $100 off per transaction.

[@coppersilverandme]

omg you are the best. I was just thinking to order the ares and not sure if i should pick the 4 or 6 post. but tbh I am worried if i pick 4 post and squat outside the rack. would the it be stable enough and not have the rack fall on me.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you! With the Ares stack…you will have approximately 600 lbs on the back (depending on whether or not you get the stack upgrade). Depending on how much you squat…should be okay on it own, and never tip. 🤘🙏💪

[@cam-bot]

Hey great review! I wanted to ask how high your ceiling is, I want to do the same build and put it in my garage which has a 100” ceiling. Im also 6ft tall and I was curious about pull ups do you think the 93” uprights are too tall to put in there?

[@DesignBuildLift]

The top of the multi-grip pull-up bar to my ceiling is 8.5”, and that it cutting it close (my head fits when doing pullups - but barely). But you are still good to go if…..you install the multi- grip pull-up bar upside down ( many people to this to get more clearance). Please let me know if you have any other questions!

[@majorgear1021]

How much did the price come to for the ares + rack + accessories? And is the rack wide enough to do good cable crossover exercises for chest and back?

[@DesignBuildLift]

I think it was around $5K for EVERYTHING (in 2023). It is wide enough for a good chest stretch if you take a few steps forward. Is it a true cable crossover? No. But few of us have the space for that. Bottom line: I have zero regrets buying the rack or the Ares. Best gym purchase I ever made! Still love it, and feel very blessed every time I use it.

[@PM-ej7xd]

Hi!! is the trolley as good without the rollers? the plastic slides well on the rack? Thank you. Philippe. France .

[@DesignBuildLift]

There are no rollers. The trolley has a UHMW plastic lining to make it easily slide without damage to the uprights. You can set it at a desired height using the pop pin and it can be reinforced by using a hitch pins. I love the Ares! Best purchase I ever made for my gym!

[@sonnysweatman8629]

What do you think about the Elite Pro Fitness FTS2 Power rack XL Fully Loaded with all attachments? It really looks like a great system and has it all. Have you heard of them?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Never heard of them. I just googled it. It looks cool, but it is about the same price as a 6 post Rep Rack with Ares /Athena. At the end of the day, I know that Rep will be around tomorrow to honor their warranty. Rep also has excellent customer service. I can’t say the same for Elite Pro Fitness since I have never heard of them. Also - if you can’t find a lot of legitimate reviews on the product….then you are taking a $5000 gamble. Whereas there are a ton of legitimate reviews of Rep products (from people like me). Having said that if you really want a Smith machine in your rack…then it has one (and my Rep rack doesn’t). Bear in mind that since it has a smith machine…there is very limited space to bench/squat IN the rack (with an untethered barbell). I never liked flat benching or squatting on smith machines. I much prefer a real barbell for those 2 exercises specifically. If you agree, On the FTS2, then you will likely be forced to flat bench/squat only on the front posts since there is seemingly no room to do so IN the rack. My 2 cents: Go with Rep instead.

[@sonnysweatman8629]

@@DesignBuildLift Thank you for your response. I really like your setup.

[@cklehman1]

Excellent review! I used this video to build my rack. 1" hole spacing on the PR5000 is critical for upgrades. I also like the rack space analysis to determine appropriate height and depth. Watch this before you buy.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much Chris! I love my PR5000 and the Ares! Best purchases ever! 🤘🙏💪

[@Kennysvgp09]

Amazing video! When I get one I’ll for sure use your affiliate. Quick question, does the Multi grip bar add any height to the 80”?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! You will not regret this decision. The multigrip pullup bar does add height. The Top of the multigrip pullup bar (as I have it installed) to the floor is 82” per my tape measure. 🤘💪🙏

[@Kennysvgp09]

@@DesignBuildLift Thank you! Will the affiliate work for when the 2.0 comes out?

[@DesignBuildLift]

Absolutely!!! Thank you Kenny!!!!

[@bradmacklin7265]

What length is the main section of your rack? 30” or 41”? I’m wondering for the spotter arm access you mention with the cable system. I have a PR5000 on 31” center section

[@DesignBuildLift]

30”. The Spotter Arms fits inside nicely. 🤘💪🙏

[@bradmacklin7265]

Thanks - liked and subscribed for the helpful info. This is a unique tip I haven’t seen in other videos. I got a label to send my flip down safeties back and I ordered the spotter arms

[@emmanuelmartinez5225]

How tall are your ceilings just out of curiosity? Thank you

[@DesignBuildLift]

Most basements slope towards a drain. So the ceiling height will be different depending upon where you measure. In one corner of the basement its 89”… but it’s 90.5” right above where I placed my rack. I say all this to stress that no one should do what I previously did…just measure in one place and assume that the ceiling height is the same throughout the room. 🤘🙏💪

[@DesignBuildLift]

Oh and by the way I am measuring off of 3/4” horse stall mats .

[@jeanbiroute]

Thank you!

[@DesignBuildLift]

You bet!

[@biblecharlie]

So if i heard you right, you want 11.5 inches off the wall to the back side of your post. That gives the ares weights enough room?

[@DesignBuildLift]

No. The Ares weight stack needs no additional room. The stack is contained within the confines of the rack's footprint. The 11.5" inch gap behind the rack was so that you have clearance to comfortably add/remove 45 LBS plates on the Weight Horns on the rear uprights (if you want weight storage on your rear uprights). Bear in mind that most 45 LBS plates are 450mm wide (or 17.7"). SO the radius of the 45 LBS plates are 8.85"..… . Further, the weight horn’s center is 1.5” away from the edge of the upright (the center of a 3” upright). Lastly, you need that extra 2.65" for your hand to grip the plates. Long story short…8.85”+1.5”+2.65”….is a 13” total. So the 11.5" gap provides a 13” clearance .. Thank you for your support!!! 🤟🙏💪

[@biblecharlie]

you must have an engineering background, haha, but thank you much for the clarification. I ordered the weight storage horns so I think I'll just call it 14".@@DesignBuildLift

[@DesignBuildLift]

I edited the math on the comment above to be clearer…the 11.5” gap actually provides a 13” clearance. Thank you!

[@swordphoenix]

This should be required watching for buying the Ares!

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you so much! Tell your friends! 😂

[@NoFate247]

Hard to beat

[@DesignBuildLift]

Love it!

[@chrisa8203]

I don’t think you can skip on the flip down safeties. Looks like a pick is required.

[@DesignBuildLift]

It’s been a while since I purchased….but if the website forces you to pick one of the 3 safeties - I believe you can still remove the item from your cart at checkout

[@chrisa8203]

You are correct. Thanks!

[@AmorFati777X]

Can anyone confirm what a 93" rack actually is, like empirically? I've heard the boxes say 90", And then other people have said they measured it and got 92" or 92.5"And that's really damn infuriating because I have a very small margin of error and I don't know what kind of crapshoot I'm going to get if I order it

[@DesignBuildLift]

PR5000 or PR4000 - just in case there is a difference?

[@AmorFati777X]

@DesignBuildLift correct. There should not be a difference but I don't trust there not to be at this point. I am leaning toward PR 5000 but obviously I would not if it were different than the 4000

[@DesignBuildLift]

@@AmorFati777X I posted an Instagram story asking the Home Gym community to help answer your question. Hopefully someone answers me soon!

[@AmorFati777X]

@@DesignBuildLift awesome thank you very much

[@memolibir]

danke für das Video

[@DesignBuildLift]

Thank you, Memoli!!!! I appreciate it!🤘🙏💪

[@tce0423]

Rep rewards expire FYI, just learned that the hard way.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Yes. I think you have one year. Am I right?

[@tce0423]

@@DesignBuildLift seems right 😀